"New Technologies And Their Impact On Humanitarian Development And Operations", The Theme Of The Eighth Edition Of DIHAD Conference And Exhibition (19 October 2010)

The Scientific Committee of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) held a meeting today to announce the theme of DIHAD’s eighth edition; “NEW TECHNOLOGIES: How These Impact Humanitarian and Development Operations". The committee also discussed the topics that will be included in the program.

The meeting took place at the Index Holding premises and was headed by Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, Executive Chairman of DIHAD Conference and Exhibition and President of Index Holding, Mr. Putman Cramer, the Director of DIHAD and attended by committee members representing various humanitarian organisations.

The theme will focus on new technologies and how they can contribute to the facilitation of humanitarian and development operations. The conference will also highlight the way in which new technologies are affecting and changing the way humanitarian and development organizations collectively operate and the extent to which these changes are assisting the populations affected.

The DIHAD Committee also revealed the preliminary topics that will shape the content of the sessions, panels and workshops of the DIHAD 2011. The topics will tackle how new technologies can assist disaster affected countries and assist humanitarian workers in diagnosing the needs of affected population.

H.E Ibrahim Bumelha, Cultural and Humanitarian Advisor of H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charity Est. and Chairman of the Higher Committee, DIHAD said “The DIHAD Conference and Exhibition is a physical translation of the vision of the United Arab Emirates and its leadership towards humanitarian activities. DIHAD is the largest event in the region that focuses on this vital field, which is considered the most dynamic sector and fastest growing at the present time”.

H.E Ibrahim Bumelha continued “DIHAD 2011 will host top humanitarian leaders from the international and local NGOS, UN Agencies, relief agencies, donors, governmental and non-governmental bodies from different countries. Key international humanitarian executives and leaders will participate in the conference to discuss principles, policies and current practices implemented within the humanitarian field to enhance the development.”

DIHAD 2011 will showcase the technical influence of satellite systems and other electronic devices used in logistical preparation, transportation, communication and other related applications. In addition, the DIHAD 2011 Conference will feature the international community’s reaction towards the crucial issues, such as food security, applications utilized in humanitarian operations and the impact of new technologies in coordination and information management.

Mr. Gerhard Putman Cramer, the Director of DIHAD said “when we talk about DIHAD, we are thinking about the event that has improved from one year to the next. We get international organisations to participating every year, to network and share their expertise and information. We have chosen New Technologies as a main theme for the eighth edition of DIHAD to study its impact on the humanitarian practices and understand how technology can enable quicker and a better response during crises and catastrophies and how organisations and humanitarian actors can provide response and relief assistance in a more effective way.”

Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, President of INDEX Holding said at the meeting: “During the past eight years, the DIHAD Conference and Exhibition has succeeded in attracting the world’s key humanitarian executives and leaders to Dubai where they can share their expertise, voice their thoughts and contribute to uncovering solutions that would have a major input in raising the standard of living for the affected communities, building their capabilities and teaching them how to respond quickly and more effectively during a crisis.”

DIHAD 2011 presents all stakeholders with the timely opportunity to discuss and exchange information on this topical subject. Mr. Al Madani added: “Today, there is an ever-accelerating development of technological instruments, and know-how, in addition to the unlimited technical, digital, and wireless devices that can be introduced to enhance humanitarian development and speed up the development process.”

Mr. Abdul Salam Al Madani also addressed the first report on Foreign Aid activities that was released by H.H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which reveals that the UAE is one of the largest humanitarian donors. He said in this regard: “DIHAD represents the physical reality of the humanitarian trends of the United Arab Emirates vision. The UAE has become a major centre for humanitarian activities and the people of the UAE are glowing with life, caring for others and contributing towards the eradication of world poverty and hunger. Dubai is now considered a hub for humanitarian activities.”